Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Stavrou
Find answers to the most common questions about fetal medicine, our services, and what to expect at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant in Nicosia. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please contact us directly and we will be happy to help.
About Fetal Medicine
Fetal medicine is a specialist branch of obstetrics focused on the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of conditions affecting the developing baby during pregnancy. It encompasses specialist ultrasound scanning, prenatal screening, invasive diagnostic testing (such as CVS and Amniocentesis), and the management of high-risk pregnancies. Fetal medicine specialists work alongside Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to provide expert care for mother and baby.
A Fetal Medicine Consultant is a doctor who has completed specialist postgraduate training in fetal medicine following their core obstetric qualification. They have advanced expertise in detailed fetal ultrasound, the interpretation of complex findings, prenatal diagnosis, and the management of pregnancies complicated by fetal conditions or maternal medical factors.
An Obstetrician manages the overall health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy and labour. A Fetal Medicine Consultant focuses specifically on the fetal side — carrying out specialist ultrasound assessments, diagnosing and managing fetal conditions, and providing expert input on complex or high-risk pregnancies. The two roles are complementary, and Dr. Stavrou works in close collaboration with her patients' named Obstetricians.
You may be referred to a Fetal Medicine Consultant by your Gynaecologist or Obstetrician if a concern is identified during routine pregnancy care — for example, an abnormal screening result, a finding on an ultrasound scan, or a pregnancy complication such as growth restriction or placenta praevia. You can also self-refer to Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant in Nicosia for specialist scans or a second opinion, without a referral.
Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant in Nicosia offers a comprehensive range of fetal medicine services including: first, second, and third trimester ultrasound scans; Nuchal Translucency (NT) testing; fetal anatomy assessment; cervical length measurement; placental localisation; fetal growth and wellbeing monitoring; risk assessment for fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia; Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS); Amniocentesis; high-risk pregnancy monitoring; and 3D/4D ultrasound imaging.
At Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant in Nicosia, scans are available across all three trimesters. In the first trimester (weeks 6–13): early viability scan and Nuchal Translucency (NT) test. In the second trimester (weeks 12–24): fetal anatomy assessment, cervical length measurement, placental localisation, and pre-eclampsia/fetal growth restriction risk screening. In the third trimester (from week 24): fetal growth assessment, wellbeing scan, and amniotic fluid monitoring. 3D/4D ultrasound is available from around 26 weeks.
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) test is a specialist ultrasound scan performed between 11 and 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. It measures the fluid at the back of the baby's neck to assess the risk of chromosomal conditions including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13). The NT measurement is interpreted alongside maternal age and blood test results to produce an individualised risk assessment.
The fetal anatomy assessment — also called the anomaly scan or 20-week scan — is a systematic ultrasound examination of your baby's structural development performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It assesses the brain, spine, heart, facial features, abdominal organs, limbs, placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord. At Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant, it is performed personally by Dr. Veronika Stavrou using AI-assisted ultrasound technology.
A fetal growth scan measures the baby's head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length to estimate fetal weight and plot growth against a standardised chart. It also assesses amniotic fluid levels, placental grade, and — where indicated — umbilical artery Doppler blood flow. Growth scans are typically performed in the third trimester to confirm the baby is growing within the expected range.
3D ultrasound creates a three-dimensional image of your baby using multiple 2D images taken from different angles. 4D adds real-time movement to produce a live video. The optimal time for 3D/4D imaging is between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. At Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant, digital images and video footage can be purchased as a keepsake. The scan is available as a standalone appointment or in combination with a routine clinical scan.
All scans and procedures at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant are performed personally by Dr. Veronika Stavrou, a qualified Fetal Medicine Consultant. Every patient is seen by the same experienced specialist.
Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant uses an AI-assisted fetal ultrasound machine — currently one of only four such machines available across Cyprus. This technology provides a higher level of diagnostic accuracy and more detailed fetal imaging compared to standard ultrasound equipment.
Appointments & Booking
No referral is required to book most appointments at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant in Nicosia. You can contact us directly by phone, email, or through the online contact form to arrange an appointment. If you have been referred by your Gynaecologist or Obstetrician, we are happy to liaise with them directly.
Appointments at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant can be booked by calling us directly, sending an email. We will confirm your appointment and advise on any preparation required.
Appointment length varies depending on the type of scan or procedure. Viability and growth scans for singleton pregnancies typically take 30–45 minutes, while detailed anatomy scans usually take 45–60 minutes. Diagnostic procedures such as CVS or amniocentesis require additional time, including pre-procedure counselling, the procedure itself, and post-procedure monitoring. You will be advised of the expected duration when booking your appointment.
Yes. Partners are welcome at all appointments at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant. We encourage partners to attend, particularly for significant scans such as the anatomy assessment, or when results of a diagnostic procedure are being discussed.
Please contact us directly to enquire about early morning or Saturday appointments. We do our best to accommodate requests where possible.
Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant is located at the Apex Building in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Appointments at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant are available in English and Greek.
Diagnostic Procedures (CVS & Amniocentesis)
Both CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) and Amniocentesis are invasive diagnostic procedures that provide a definitive chromosomal diagnosis. The key difference is timing: CVS is performed in the first trimester, between 11 and 13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy, using a sample of placental tissue. Amniocentesis is performed from 15 weeks onwards, using a sample of amniotic fluid. Both carry a small procedural risk of miscarriage (approximately 0.5–1% for CVS; approximately 0.5% for Amniocentesis). The most appropriate procedure depends on gestational age and clinical circumstances.
CVS or Amniocentesis is typically recommended when a screening test — such as the NT scan, combined first trimester screening, or Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) — has returned a high-risk result for a chromosomal condition. They may also be offered when there is a known family history of a genetic disorder that can be tested for prenatally, or when a fetal abnormality has been identified on ultrasound that warrants further investigation.
Most women find both procedures uncomfortable rather than painful. The sensation is often compared to a blood test or cervical smear. Dr. Stavrou will ensure you are fully informed and as comfortable as possible throughout.
Both procedures carry a small risk of pregnancy loss. The procedure-related miscarriage rate is approximately 0.5–1% for CVS and approximately 0.5% for Amniocentesis. These figures can vary with individual circumstances and operator experience. Dr. Stavrou has extensive experience in invasive prenatal procedures, including training and practice in specialist fetal medicine centres abroad. She will discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives with you fully before any procedure is undertaken.
Yes, entirely. Diagnostic testing is always optional. Dr. Stavrou will explain the reason a procedure has been recommended, the information it would provide, the associated risks, and the alternatives — including the option to decline. There is no obligation to proceed. The decision is yours.
High-Risk Pregnancy
A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there is a factor — maternal, fetal, or placental — that increases the likelihood of a complication. Common reasons include fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, placenta praevia, multiple pregnancy (twins or more), maternal medical conditions (such as diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or cardiac disease), abnormal findings on ultrasound, or a previous adverse pregnancy outcome. Being classified as high-risk does not mean a complication will occur — it means closer monitoring is recommended.
Yes. You can contact Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant directly to arrange a specialist fetal medicine consultation if you have concerns about your pregnancy or have been advised that you are high-risk. A referral from your Gynaecologist or Obstetrician is not required, though we are happy to work alongside your existing care team.
Dr. Stavrou works as a specialist fetal medicine resource alongside your named Obstetrician — not as a replacement for them. Following each monitoring appointment, a detailed written report is provided for your Obstetrician. Dr. Stavrou is available to liaise directly with your Obstetrician as clinical circumstances require. This collaborative model ensures that all aspects of your pregnancy are managed in a coordinated way.
The frequency of monitoring depends on your specific risk factors and clinical circumstances. Some women are monitored every two to four weeks; others with more significant concerns may be seen more frequently. Dr. Stavrou will advise on the most appropriate monitoring schedule for your individual pregnancy and review this as your pregnancy progresses.
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition in which the baby does not grow at the expected rate in the womb. It is identified through serial ultrasound growth measurements and Doppler blood flow assessment. Management involves regular specialist monitoring to assess the baby's condition and determine the optimal timing of delivery. Early identification through specialist surveillance — such as that available at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant in Nicosia — allows for timely intervention and the best possible outcome.
For Referring Gynaecologists
Gynaecologists and Obstetricians wishing to refer a patient to Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant can do so by contacting us directly by phone or email. Please provide the patient's name, contact details, gestational age, reason for referral, and any relevant clinical information. We will arrange an appointment as promptly as possible and confirm the booking with both the patient and the referring clinician.
Yes. A written report is provided following every appointment at Veronika Stavrou Fetal Medicine Consultant and will be sent directly to the referring Gynaecologist or Obstetrician. For urgent findings, Dr. Stavrou will contact the referring clinician directly by phone.
Dr. Stavrou provides specialist fetal medicine input across the full range of fetal ultrasound assessment, prenatal screening interpretation, invasive diagnostic procedures (CVS and Amniocentesis), fetal growth and wellbeing surveillance, Doppler assessment, and high-risk pregnancy monitoring. She has international clinical experience, including experience in specialist fetal medicine centres abroad, and uses AI-assisted ultrasound technology — one of only four such machines in Cyprus.
Yes. Dr. Stavrou is available to provide ongoing specialist fetal surveillance throughout pregnancy for patients with complex or high-risk pregnancies, working in close collaboration with the patient's named Obstetrician. A coordinated care plan can be agreed at the time of referral.
